Words and pictures: Elizabeth Osborne

The picturesque North West Bay River Trail, which starts at Sandfly, is classed as a moderate walk, on a slightly undulating bush track.

Sandfly is a 25 minute drive south from Hobart, along the Huon Highway. Parking is available either in the small parking bay, just off the highway, opposite the Sandfly Shop, or nearby at the Sandfly Hall. A footpath leads from the parking bay to the start of the North West Bay Trail.

The North West Bay River flows from Kunanyi/ Mount Wellington, 25 kilometres to Don D’Entrecasteaux Channel at Margate. The North West Bay River Trail follows the river, through a diverse landscape, ranging from intact bushland to dramatic rocky outcrops and wide river beaches.

The North West Bay River is home to 13 threatened plants, 11 threatened animals and five threatened vegetation communities. In this pristine environment, we were concerned when we noticed several dense stands of the noxious weed, Spanish Heath. To ensure we did not spread weeds, we cleaned our boots before and after walking the trail.

There are two river crossings over shallow fords, across smooth dolerite river stones. The low flow of water, on the day we walked, revealed the pool and boulder nature of the river, and evidence of where the river has moved over time.

The trail ends at Riverdale Road, where we turned to retrace our steps to Sandfly. Wrens and willy wagtails flitted through the trees, and the distinctive ‘oom-oom’ of the bronzewing pigeon filled the air. The North West Bay River Trail is a varied and interesting walk following the river’s journey through the catchment area.